Police seek teen's computer, cell phone

John Pirro

Published 12:01 am, Friday, October 5, 2012

NEW FAIRFIELD -- State Police have asked to examine Tyler Giuliano's cellphone and the Giuliano family's home computer as they continue their investigation into the fatal shooting of the 15-year-old New Fairfield boy by his father last week, the family's lawyer said Thursday.

Attorney Eugene Zingaro said the request, made by State Police on Wednesday, indicates their focus has shifted from what occurred on Sept. 27, the day the teen was killed, to why he was outside his aunt's house, wearing dark clothing, a ski mask and brandishing a knife just after 1 a.m.

Zingaro said police have also asked Jeffrey Giuliano and his wife for any passwords, screen names and other information that could allow them access to any social media postings and websites the teen visited in hopes of providing some clue about what he was doing and what his intentions may have been.

"Absolutely, they will cooperate, because they are asking the same questions," Zingaro said.

His client spent six hours being questioned by investigators the day after the shooting, Zingaro said, and investigators have not requested another interview.

State police have refused to release any details about the investigation.

Jeffrey Giuliano, a popular fifth-grade teacher, shot Tyler several times after confronting his adopted son outside his sister's home, which is located immediately adjacent to the Giuliano residence on Meeting House Hill Road.

Giuliano told investigators he was responding to a telephone call from his sister, who said someone was trying to break in.

Zingaro said Jeffrey Giuliano knew there had been a break-in and a sexual assault in the area a few nights earlier, and the day before the shooting he had emphasized to his family the necessity of locking all doors and windows.

"He had specifically discussed that with them," Zingaro said.

Giuliano also shouted a warning to the intruder, whom he said was holding "a shiny object" in his hand and advancing toward him in a threatening manner, before firing several shots from his registered handgun, Zingaro said.

"My belief is that he did shout several demands or orders. That was before firing," he said.

State police have said the object was a knife.

Zingaro said he expects it will be some time before the investigation is finished, with toxicology reports from the state crime laboratory taking the longest to complete.

"I still expect the final determination will be no charges will be filed," he said.